The correlation of multichannel urodynamic pressure-flow studies and American Urological Association symptom index in the evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia

We correlated multichannel pressure-flow urodynamics and the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index in the evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We evaluated 121 consecutive, symptomatic patients older than 55 years with the AUA symptom score and multichannel pressure-flow urodynamic studies. Testing was performed during a single session and the data obtained from 103 patients were plotted on the Schäfer nomogram for assessment of outflow obstruction. Linear regression statistical analysis was used to determine correlations.

There was no significant correlation between uroflowmetry and Schäfer curves (r = 0.173 to 0.326), uroflowmetry and AUA symptom scores (r = 0.134 to 0.153) and, most importantly, AUA symptom scores and Schäfer curves (r = 0.025 to 0.137).

We conclude that these modalities measure independent variables, and should not be linked in the evaluation and treatment decision of the patient with prostatism.